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He is probably a tad biased being in the trade and all, but Leight has a point; a great pair of shades can pull together an outfit, are great for disguising tired and/or hungover eyes and give the wearer a certain starry appeal (even if just walking around Waitrose).

The perfect pair of sunglasses will take you anywhere so it's important to get them right. "Start by considering the function'' advises Leight, ''what are you buying the frame for? Do you want a glamorous look, or a sportier option that will suit an outdoor activity? Different styles and lenses suit different looks and functions.''

Case in point, on a recent mini break I smugly swanned off in an oversized pair of shades by
Chloe.
The retro frames were perfect for lounging poolside but less so for hiking up fells in deepest Cumbria. I felt like an extra from Absolutely Fabulous and no doubt looked Absolutely Ridiculous. Lesson learned; treat sunglasses like shoes and wear according to the situation.

Once the purpose of your sunglasses has been decided it's time to get personal and think about what styles are going to suit you best. ''Your eyewear should highlight your best features and compliment your individual style'' says Leight, who recommends looking at face shape to determine what style of frame to invest in. "Opt for a frame that has the opposite shape to your face. For example, if you have an angular, square face, then a frame with a round shape and soft curves might be your best option."

Before making a purchase Leight recommends researching what shapes and styles are available and taking inspiration from current eyewear trends as well as street style. Head to
Oliverpeoples.com
for a stylish edit of bespectacled hipsters. When it comes to the crunch Leight final word on the matter is this, ''buy the pair that you are most comfortable with and that makes you feel fantastic.'' An affirming shopping mantra is there ever was one.

Whether you are investing in a premium pair of specs or going for something cheap and cheerful, shape is crucial. Eyewear expert and optician at
David Clulow
, Tessa Forde, shares her tips on finding the right style to suit every face shape.

If you have a round shaped face …

…choose straight, angular shapes which create more structure in the face, as well as styles with a slight upsweep to highlight the cheeks
From top: clear, £173, by
Oliver Peoples
; tortoise shell, £25, by
Quay Australia
; velvet, £115, by
Ray-Ban

If you have a square shaped face…

…wear a rounded frame to soften the lines of the face. A frame that is wider than the face helps to balance the proportions, and a defined brow will draw the eye away from the jawline.